The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs

Patience, forgiveness, looking beyond the obvious, recognition of what was hidden (even in plain sight) all of that may be found within the story of Maggie and the Easter Lily.

Maggie received a gift she didn't expect and was unsure what to do with it. She moved it out of her sight, sometimes remembered it, sometimes forgot about it. When spring started making its presence known and she started helping in the garden, she even grew impatient with what seemed to her to be an ugly bulb - so she threw it out. Even so, at Easter time, she realized the hidden gift within the bulb.

Wonderfully written book with great illustrations that readers young and old will appreciate.

The Parable of the Lily is a story that can be shared by the whole family. While it is geared toward younger ages, I think readers of all ages will enjoy it.

Picture (c) Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Precious Moments®: My Easter Bible Storybook by Thomas Nelson (publisher)

Precious Moments®: My Easter Bible Storybook is a nicely put together little book that features a little poetry, a little prayer, and Bible verses that all tell a little of the Easter story.

All of the above is also interspersed with Precious Moments® illustrations that serve as pleasing visuals for younger (and older) eyes.

Beautifully put together in such a way as to find a niche among readers of all ages.

Picture (c) Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Foundation of Love by Scotty Cade and Z.B. Marshall

Book Blurb: Years ago, Wes Stanhope fled his hometown of Charleston to escape the constraints of society and his controlling father, Colonel Robert Lee Stanhope IV. After completing medical school and building a successful practice in pediatric oncology in Seattle, Wes is called home for his mother's funeral and presented with an opportunity to build and run a children's hospital-his mother's legacy-a choice he ultimately makes despite his misgivings about his father's role as chairman of the hospital's board of directors. When Wes begins to build his team, he is introduced to a young, handsome black architect named Tyler Williams. Sparks begin to fly between the two men, and although Wes doesn't identify as gay, denying his attraction to Ty becomes impossible. But Ty won't be a dirty secret: if Wes wants to build a relationship, he'll have to come out, brave his father's racism and homophobia, and risk his chance to continue as the hospital's CEO and realize his mother's dream.

Review: I found myself enjoying this installment of the Love series very much. I quite liked the theme of the prodigal son coming home to fulfill his deceased mother's wish of building a children's hospital. Of course, there are issues to resolve and friction to different sorts between various characters - they kept me reading. While the theme may be a little formulaic, it is interesting enough to keep a reader's attention.

The characters are likable, but I wonder if they may come across as either a little flat or maybe even, in one case, a smidgen stereotypical.

The sticky point for me (which may not be the case for another reader) is the dialogue. To me, it comes across as being a bit stiff and, in places, more of a "saying all the right things at all the right times" rather than a natural flow.

In closing, while I did find Foundation of Love to be an enjoyable read, I did have a few issues with it. Overall, a good addition to the Love series and I do look forward to seeing what comes next.

Picture and blurb (c) Dreamspinner Press, LLC.